Liverpool is set to commence their pre-season training in early July, but they will be facing a significant hurdle as several key players will be absent. This situation presents a considerable challenge for new head coach Arne Slot. The potential participation of up to 12 Liverpool players in the European Championships in Germany, along with Alisson Becker, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Alexis Mac Allister likely competing in the Copa America, means that Liverpool could be missing as many as 16 senior players. This scenario will leave Slot with a drastically different lineup for his initial match compared to the team that fans will see when the Premier League season kicks off on August 17.
The Reds’ pre-season tour includes high-profile matches against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United in the United States, scheduled between July 27 and August 4. Although the complete pre-season itinerary has not yet been disclosed, it is expected that the team will engage in two weeks of training before departing for the U.S.
The expected absence of many regulars is primarily due to the overlapping schedules of the European Championships and the Copa America, both concluding with finals on July 14. Players who progress to the semi-finals of these tournaments will thus be unavailable for the U.S. tour. Consequently, Slot will have to rely on players not involved in international duties and those returning from loan spells.
In the goalkeeping department, Alisson’s commitment to Brazil and Adrian’s expired contract mean that Caoimhin Kelleher, despite uncertainties surrounding his future, is anticipated to start. For the full-back positions, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas are likely to be the preferred choices. Assuming Jarell Quansah does not make England’s final Euro 2024 squad, he is expected to start at center-back, potentially paired with Nat Phillips, Sepp van den Berg, Rhys Williams, or promising youth talents like Luke Chambers and Amara Nallo.
The midfield lineup is expected to see Harvey Elliott, who was not selected for England, play a pivotal role. Wataru Endo might start as the number six, contingent on his involvement in the Olympics, with Curtis Jones available if he is not picked for England’s final squad. Additional midfield options include Bobby Clark and Tyler Morton.
In the attacking lineup, Mohamed Salah is set to captain Slot’s first team, with Fabio Carvalho likely starting on the left wing. Given the absence of other forwards on international duty, Jayden Danns might be tasked with leading the attack, or Salah could be positioned centrally, enabling Kaide Gordon or Ben Doak to feature on the right wing.
Thus, Slot’s probable initial starting XI for Liverpool could look like this: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Phillips, Tsimikas; Elliott, Endo, Clark; Salah, Danns, Carvalho. This pre-season period will be essential for Slot to evaluate his squad and integrate any new signings, with the transfer window opening on June 14.
Liverpool fans will be keenly observing how Slot navigates the initial challenge of a reduced squad and prepares the team for the upcoming Premier League season. This pre-season will provide him with a critical opportunity to assess the depth and versatility of his squad, ensuring they are well-prepared for the competitive challenges that lie ahead. The absence of senior players will test the resilience and adaptability of the remaining squad members, and how they rise to this challenge could set the tone for the season to come. This period will also be vital for Slot to establish his tactical approach and team dynamics, laying a strong foundation for Liverpool’s campaign.